The only thing I will say on last night’s election… Regardless of who you voted for, regardless of who you wanted to win, you are loved. Our country will change over the next few years, as it was always destined to change. Our country is constantly growing and evolving, and it will continue to grow and evolve. Regardless if you are excited or disappointed, we all have the same task: We have to care for one another, love one another, and protect one another. Once the dust is settled and emotions are calmed, please remember that. You belong here. You are cared for.
Introduction to Medieval Theatre You’ve learned about Greece, now what happens next?
From Greece to Rome Roman Empire: 27BC – 476AD Byzantine Empire: 395 – 1453 AD Roman culture copied a lot of Greek culture Art Religion Theatre Roman Theatre: Wrote tragedies and comedies No tragedies survived until today All surviving comedies are based on Greek stories A little more crude than Greek theatre
Roman reliance on Stock Characters Young, rich, love sick hero Strict father Braggart soldier (annoying jock) Clever slaves
Popularity of Theatre’s decline Theatre in Rome was not as popular or as important as in Greece. Romans preferred a different form of entertainment:
FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Gladiatorial matches Chariot races Executions that were…uhm…extreme.
Fall of Rome A lot of reasons lead to the fall of Rome. (Invasions from Barbarians, political and economic instability, etc.) As the empire went into decline, a certain small cult started to gain popularity. Gained legal status, and eventually became the primary religion in Rome. What was that cult? Christianity
Medieval Europe (Middle Ages) About 500AD – 1500AD European rejection of Roman traditions and beliefs Lead to a dark period for science and technology IN EUROPE This rejection included Theatre Islamic golden age – 700AD to 1700AD Algebra Calculus Scientific method
New beginnings of Theatre Hrosvitha (935-973) Wrote 6 plays modeled after roman comedies. Rewrote “questionable” parts. First known plays composed by a woman in Western drama
Church starts to use theatre to educate Morality Plays Pageant Plays